Rod Watson was born in Marshall, Texas on May 25, 1951 to Rodney Wayne Watson, Sr. and Elizabeth Ann Sewell Watson. He passed away September 28, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Rod was a graduate of Marshall High School with the Class of 1969. After graduation from MHS, he attended East Texas State University where he was a member of the National Championship Football Team of 1972. Rod received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees at East Texas State University. He worked as an Adult Felony Probation Officer for Harrison County, and was a member of Immanuel Baptist church. Rod was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to hunt. Rod raised and trained Labradors while his dachshund, Dharma, trained him. He was a "pro visitor" and never met a stranger. Rod would not hesitate to tell you what he thought if you asked him, and sometimes without you asking. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Denise Watson of Jefferson; daughter, Lauren Watson Whitmire and husband Jason of Cypress, TX; sons, Zachary Alan Watson and Trey Watson, both of Jefferson; granddaughters, Lily Whitmire and Amelia Whitmire; sister, Nancy Watson-Tansey and husband Frank of Santa Rosa, CA, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Immanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Carlton Burris and the Honorable Jim Ammerman officiating. The family will receive friends at the Downs Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, October 1st.